Migraine Headaches

What Are Migraines?

A migraine is a type of headache that recurs (keeps coming back). The pain is often
throbbing and can happen on one or both sides of the head.

Migraines also cause other symptoms. People with migraines can feel dizzy or sick
to their stomachs. They may be sensitive to light, noise, or smells.

Migraines can be disabling, and kids and teens with migraines often need to skip
school, sports, work, or other activities until they feel better.

Who Gets Migraines?

Up to 10% of U.S. teens and young adults get migraines. And after age 12, during
and after puberty, migraines affect girls twice as often as boys.

Experts believe that the likelihood of getting migraines runs in the family. Kids
who have a parent who gets migraines have a greater chance of having them than kids
without that family history.

What Causes Migraines?

The exact cause of migraines isn't known. Scientists think that they happen because
some neurons (nerves in the brain) stop working properly and send the wrong signals.
This may affect the nerve system that regulates pain.

Whatever the cause, experts do agree that different things trigger (set off) migraines
in people who have them.

What Happens During a Migraine?

Every migraine begins differently. Sometimes kids and teens get a warning that
a migraine is on its way. A few hours or even days before the actual headache, they
might feel funny or "not right. They might crave different foods, or feel thirsty,
irritable, tired, or even full of energy. This is called a "premonition."

Some kids get auras. These are neurological symptoms that start
just before the headache and last up to an hour. An aura is different in every person,
but it often affects vision. For example, a person might:

have blurred vision

see spots, colored balls, jagged lines, or bright flashing lights

smell a certain odor

feel tingling in a part of their face

Once the headache starts, light, smell, or sound may bother kids with migraines
or make them feel worse. Sometimes, if they try to continue with their usual routine,
they may become nauseated and vomit. Often the pain begins only on one side of the
head, but it might eventually affect both sides. Trying to do physical activities
can make the pain worse.

Most migraines last from 30 minutes to several hours; some can last a couple of
days.

How Are Migraines Diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask a lot of questions to see what might be causing the symptoms,
and will examine your child, paying particular attention to the neurological exam.
He or she may ask your child to keep a headache diary to help figure out what triggers
the headaches. That information will help the doctor figure out the best treatment.

Sometimes, doctors may order blood tests or imaging tests, such as a CAT scan or
MRI of the brain, to rule out medical problems that might cause migraines.

How Are Migraines Treated?

Migraine headaches and their triggers can vary a lot. Treatment can depend on how
severe the headaches are, how often they happen, and what symptoms a child gets with
them.

Usually it helps to lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room. The doctor may prescribe
pain relief medicine or medicines that help with nausea and vomiting. Some kids and
teens need preventive medicines that are taken every day to reduce the number and
severity of their migraines.

Some doctors teach a technique called biofeedback to their patients with migraines.
This helps them learn to relax and use the brain to gain control over certain body
functions (like heart rate and muscle stress) that cause tension and pain. If a migraine
begins slowly, some people can use biofeedback to remain calm and stop the attack.

Adding other non-medicine therapies to the treatment plan, such as acupuncture
or herbs, helps some people with migraines. But ask your health care provider about
these before trying them. This is especially true of herbal treatments because they
can affect more traditional methods of treatment.

Can Migraines Be Prevented?

Not all migraines can be prevented. But learning what triggers migraines and trying
to avoid them can help. Have your child take a break from activities that might start
a migraine, such as using the computer for a long time. If some foods are triggers,
help your child skip them. Some people find that cutting back on caffeine or drinking
a lot of water can help prevent migraines.

Make a plan for all the things your child has to do — especially during stressful
times — so he or she doesn't feel overwhelmed when things pile up. Regular exercise
also can reduce stress and make your child feel better.

The more you and your child understand about migraine headaches, the better prepared
you can be to fight them.